G.A.T.E.WAYS Brainwaves Club - General Information - 2009

The G.A.T.E.WAYS Brainwaves Club program is based on the philosophy that highly able and gifted children have particular needs for stimulation and challenge that match their high level of curiosity and desire to learn. In addition, children with specialised skills and talents in advance of their age peers need both affirmation of these abilities and opportunities for talent development. They also need opportunities to mix with like-minded peers and to form rewarding friendships that further foster their interests, social skills and self-esteem. It is G.A.T.E.WAYS aim to facilitate this positive social interaction in a non-threatening club atmosphere.

Venues:   Ivanhoe Grammar School, The Ridgeway, Ivanhoe, OR Brighton Grammar School, 29-31 GRosvenor Street, Brighton.

Dates:     Semester 1: 28/2, 14/3, 28/3, 2/5, 16/5, 30/5, 13/6, 27/6
               Semester 2: 25/7, 8/9, 22/8, 5/10, 10/10, 24/10, 7/11, 21/11

Times:    Saturdays 1.30 - 4.00pm

Fees:       $369.60 (incl. $36.00 GST) for one semester membership (eight meetings) (Credit card payment $402.00)
               OR a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 (Credit card: $101.50) Balance to be paid by 23rd January 2009.

ABOUT THE CLUBS

MATHS/SCIENCE

Children enrolling in the Maths and Science Clubs will participate in a range of activities over the year. Our groups are the DinoMites (Years 1/2), the SciSpies (Years 3/4), and the Einsteins (Years 5/6)

Over two semesters members may (depending on selection):

• hypothesize and experiment
• use abstract thinking and open-ended questions
• practise logical thinking and problem solving
• be involved in 'hands-on' activities
• fathom 'how things tick'
• build on their knowledge of science and technology
• discover and enjoy wide ranging forms of mathematical thinking

BOOKS and WRITING/PERFORMING ARTS

Children who demonstrate advanced artistic ability, advanced language skills with a passion for reading and writing, as well as a love of drama and performance can enrol in Munchkins (Years 1/2/3) or Apprentices (Years 4/5/6). Children in each group will participate in semester of Books and writing, and a semester of Creative and Performing Arts

Over the year children may:

• read, write and talk about books and learn more about literature
• explore different genres of writing
• develop their vocabularies
• communicate and debate
• be exposed to philosophical discussion
• enhance their performance skills

DESIGN and CONSTRUCTION (Brighton Grammar School only

Children will be introduced to the foundations and techniques that underpin successful design and construction of a range of fun, usable models and toys. It is intended to be very hands-on, with participants engaged in developing individual and group projects from concept to completion. A materials levy will be charged for this club, depending on the project involved. Club members will be known as the Leonardos, (what else!) and it is for busy heads and hands in Years 4-6.

CYBERKIDS (Brighton Grammar School only)

CyberKids will enter the world of multimedia and explore aspects of computer software and programming while indulging their passion for mathes, science, design and, of course, technology! Working in a computer lab, they'll learn valuable design and programming skills as they apply innovative software to create original projects such as animated movies and games. If you love a challenge - both academic and technological - this club is definitely for you!

CHESS (Ivanhoe Grammar School only)

G.A.T.E.WAYS is inviting eager freestyle thinkers and gnarly chessboard riders to join its Brainwaves Club. If you have had some successful experiences playing chess at school, home or during G.A.T.E.WAYS Journeys, the next stepping stone to improving your chess game is joining a junior chess club. Finding sme like-minded friends to compete with and learn from is a great way to have fun, while training your brain to think in many different ways. These club members will be known as the Check Mates. There is no particular age restriction, but on enrolment members must provide school recommendation of their advanced ability and experience.

BRIGHT BUTTONS

The Bright Buttons for Preps aims to provide enrichment and challenge tailored to the children's developmental needs. It also seeks to promote positive social interactions and self-confidence. Included will be activities selected from the areas of maths, science, problem solving, thinking skills, story telling and drama. The Bright Buttons will commence in Semester 2.

TIMETABLE - please refer to program descriptions to assist you with selections